In response to the Alabama supreme court’s recent ruling that frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) are considered children, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is urging its candidates to “clearly and concisely reject efforts by the government to restrict IVF,” citing public-opinion polling that suggests the overwhelming majority of Americans support the fertility treatments.
The memo is part of a concerted effort by Republican operatives in Washington to help GOP congressional candidates get in front of the issue rather than shy away from it like in the 2022 midterms, when many down-ballot candidates struggled to communicate on the abortion issue after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Friday’s memo clearly suggests that Republicans see IVF restriction as a losing electoral issue for the GOP, and encourages Senate candidates to tell voters where they stand before their Democratic opponents do it for them.
“When responding to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, it is imperative that our candidates align with the public’s overwhelming support for IVF and fertility treatments,” NRSC executive director Jason Thielman wrote in a February 23 memo to Senate candidates, first reported by National Review. “By advocating for increased access to these services, opposing restrictions, and emphasizing the importance of supporting families in their journey to conceive, our candidates can demonstrate compassion, respect for family values, and a commitment to individual freedom.”
The memo also urges candidates to “clearly state your support for IVF and fertility-related services as blessings for those seeking to have children,” oppose restrictions on fertility treatments, and express support for increased access to IVF through insurance coverage and support services.
The NRSC’s advice didn’t take long to resonate. On Friday, a number of Republican Senate candidates released statements opposing restrictions on IVF, including Kari Lake in Arizona, Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, and all three high-profile GOP Senate candidates in Ohio, among others.
Read the full memo here.